Teen Admitted to Hospital for Tonsil Removal Ends Up on Life Support

The family of a 13-year-old California girl thought they would be feeding their teenaged daughter ice cream after her tonsil surgery, but instead they find themselves faced with a heart-wrenching decision.

Jahi McMath was taken to Oakland Children’s Hospital last Monday to have her tonsils and adenoids removed according to local affiliate KTVU. The surgery was expected to be routine, but after unexpected complications, the girl’s family is faced with the decision of whether or not to remove Jahi from life support.

Jahi’s grandmother, Sandra Jo Chatman, says after surgery the teen began bleeding heavily from the mouth and nose. She says she called for assistance from the nurses but no one came until she began screaming.

“I was the last one to see Jahi,” said Chatman. “I said, ‘Somebody help my baby please!’ And they came in and starting working on her. The next thing I know, the doctor said, ‘Oh no, she doesn’t have a heart rate anymore.’”

Hospital spokesperson Melinda Kreigel said the hospital is investigating the incident, but that the ICU is always fully staffed.